Trainer Phil D'Amato has a busy week coming up with Stronghold in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Nevertheless, he continues to win at his home base of Santa Anita Park, as Uncorked made her first start for the trainer by capturing the April 27 Royal Heroine Stakes (G3T).
Jockey Frankie Dettori piloted the 5-year-old mare brilliantly for D'Amato and owner Stuart Grant's The Elkstone Group. Nine distaffers lined up for the mile turf race, with D'Amato-trained Bellabel setting the pace. She toured through the first quarter-mile in :22.57 while Uncorked settled into sixth, initially off the rail and then moving inside.
Dettori said afterward that D'Amato had warned him that Uncorked "jumps quick so make sure you get cover and get her to relax."
That is just what she did, which meant that she was ready to go when the rail opened up turning for home "like the Red Sea," Dettori said. Uncorked and Dettori took immediate advantage, storming through on the rail while Justique and favored Stay and Scam were battling for the lead in the center of the track after both raced wide.
Uncorked flew to the front to score by two lengths in 1:34.06. Justique finished second, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Stay and Scam.
"When Frankie asked her, she responded," said Julie Witt, assistant to D'Amato. "She is an Australian-bred and they are known for their sprinter/milers down there and they have a heck of a turn of foot."
Uncorked began her career in her native Australia, a modest winner in nine starts from late 2021 through 2022. On the East Coast last year when trained by Brittany Russell, Uncorked made seven starts at four different tracks, won twice, and ran third in the Nov. 19 Forever Together Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. That was her last outing prior to the Royal Heroine.
"When she got out here, she got pretty sick on us, so it kind of delayed her California debut for a while," Witt said. "But once we got her right, she hasn't missed a beat."
Mr. A. Galbraith bred Uncorked, a daughter of Pierro out of the Iffraaj mare Piaf. Piaf is a winner and a half sister to group stakes-placed Maythehorsebemagic. The second dam is multiple group winner Arletty.
